Lidl-Trek land Felix Gall after Grand Tour breakthrough as trusted lieutenant follows

Lidl-Trek have secured the signing of Felix Gall, turning the interest that emerged during the Giro d’Italia into a three year deal through 2029.

Mühlberger will make the same move at the end of the season, with the 32-year-old signing a contract through 2028.

The deal follows the strongest season of Gall’s career. The 28-year-old finished runner up at the Giro, where he was Jonas Vingegaard’s closest challenger in the mountains, before adding another Grand Tour podium at the Vuelta a España behind Enric Mas and Primož Roglič.

Lidl-Trek were already being linked with Gall during the Giro, when his contract situation and performances had made him one of the most attractive GC riders available for 2027. What followed only strengthened his position. Gall has gone from a regular top ten finisher to a rider capable of fighting for a Grand Tour podium.

That made his next move increasingly significant, particularly with the leadership picture changing at Decathlon CMA CGM following the rapid rise of Paul Seixas.

Gall had been with the structure now known as Decathlon CMA CGM since 2022, but the rapid emergence of Paul Seixas created another major GC option within the French team. Lidl-Trek, meanwhile, have been building an increasingly deep group of stage race leaders.

Juan Ayuso joined the team ahead of 2026, Derek Gee-West was another major addition, while Mattias Skjelmose, sixth at this year’s Tour de France, remains one of Lidl-Trek’s established GC options. Gall now gives the team another rider with proven three week podium credentials.

It also leaves Lidl-Trek with an intriguing challenge over how to divide opportunities between an unusually large number of ambitious stage racers.

Gall welcomed the move in a statement released by Lidl-Trek.

“With Lidl-Trek a new chapter in my career as a professional cyclist begins,” Gall said. “After wonderful years and the success that came with them, it is now time for me to take the next logical step.”

The 28-year-old has long been regarded as Austria’s leading talent. He won the junior road race world title in Richmond in 2015 before turning professional with Team Sunweb in 2020.

His rise at WorldTour level was more gradual. Gall initially built his reputation through strong climbing performances and consistent stage race results before his victory on the Col de la Loze at the 2023 Tour de France announced him to a much wider audience.

Three years later, he has now developed into a genuine Grand Tour podium contender.

Mühlberger arrives with a different role.

The 32-year-old moved to Decathlon CMA CGM for 2026 after spending five seasons with Movistar. Before that, he raced for Bora-Hansgrohe between 2016 and 2020, giving him more than a decade of experience at WorldTour level.

At Decathlon, he has been an important support rider for Gall, including at the Giro, where he still managed to finish 15th overall himself.

He also showed that he remains capable of racing for his own results by winning the Lidl Tour of Austria this season.

For Lidl-Trek, Mühlberger brings experience in the mountains and a ready-made understanding with Gall, while still being capable of taking his own chances.

“A small dream is coming true,” Mühlberger said of the transfer. “For me, what matters is supporting team leaders at the highest level while also having the chance to race for my own results.”